News from the Ontario New Demoractic Party
Queen’s Park, November 2015 — Citing a report that showed the number of Ontario families using food banks is on the rise, Ontario NDP Community and Social Services critic Sarah Campbell asked the Premier why her government isn’t doing more to help Ontarians in need.
“Yesterday, the annual HungerCount report on food bank usage was released, and the results are shocking. Since 2008, food bank usage in Ontario has risen more than 14%, while 48.6% of food banks in Ontario are reporting an increase in use,” said Campbell, MPP for Kenora—Rainy River. “More appalling still, nearly 34 per cent of food bank users are children.”
The response from both the Premier and the Minister of Community and Social Services suggests the government sees no reason to change current anti-poverty strategies even in light of this disgraceful report.
“These children are living in poverty, using food banks regularly, because their parents have no other choice. And already marginalized people, like those on disability income supports, make up one third of food bank users because they aren’t being properly supported,” said Campbell.
Campbell also noted more post-secondary students are being forced to use food banks.
“’It’s 2015.’ Food banks in Ontario should not be reporting increases in use,” said Campbell.
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